Build Torbay is a TDA initiative to inspire Torbay residents and students to take up rewarding careers in construction, and is calling for more partners and ambassadors to promote outstanding employment and training opportunities in the industry.

Our successful funding bids to build new spaces to thrive will create around 5,000 additional construction jobs, presenting employment and training opportunities.

Construction is the UK’s second highest-paid sector after financial services with around 180 different job roles and a variety of training pathways and entry levels.

Low carbon methodology, hi-tech and retrofit skills are increasing the industry’s significant contribution towards achieving the UK’s net zero target.

By taking up careers and training, Torbay students and residents looking for a career change can earn a good salary with excellent career progression in a growing sector.

Contractors, training providers, schools and social enterprises are signing up as Build Torbay partners and ambassadors to support the project.

Partner contractors deliver careers talks and classroom activities to inspire young people about the breadth of opportunities in the construction sector. They carry out practical tasks relating to a variety of job roles and try out the state-of-the-art tech equipment.

Build Torbay also works with contractors on their employment and skills plans to offer employment, training, and apprenticeships to Torbay residents on schemes that are commissioned by us.

Build Torbay ambassadors are not-for-profit organisations committed to raising the prosperity of the local economy and the career prospects of its residents.

Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council said: “We’re committed to building wealth for the community for every pound that we spend, so we want as many residents as possible to benefit from the well-paid opportunities presented by our £284m capital programme.

“By helping us create spaces to thrive with new housing, leisure and public realm projects underway, young people and those who are looking for an attractive career change can build a brighter future for themselves and Torbay.”

Laurence Frewin, Principal & CEO of South Devon College, and Chair of TDA Board Economy and Enterprise Sub-Committee said: “South Devon College is a major partner in Build Torbay, and we’re working together to help shape the project and support events and activities to showcase opportunities to young people and career changers.”

“Build Torbay is looking for more construction companies to become partners and for organisations supporting the sector to become ambassadors. If you want to inspire the future workforce for construction, allied services and their supporting supply partners please get in touch with the Build Torbay team and help to raise the profile of the sector as a career choice with amazing opportunities!”

Business and not-for-profit organisations interested in finding out about becoming a Build Torbay partner or ambassador can contact the Build Torbay Skills Coordinator.

More information about Build Torbay is available on the Build Torbay website. Follow @BuildTorbay on Twitter, @TDAGroup on LinkedIn and subscribe to the quarterly newsletter.

This press release was first issued by TDA on 28 April 2022.